Mexico City – After being kidnapped for almost seven months, former presidential candidate Diego Fernández de Cevallos was released by his captors early Monday, news that riveted Mexicans everywhere.
The 70-year-old returned to his home in the Lomas de Virreyes neighborhood in Mexico City. Speaking briefly outside his home, he said forgave his captors and declared that authorities have "work to do" on his case.
Fernández de Ceballos, known as "Jefe Diego", or the boss, has been a fixture in Mexican politics for decades. His disappearance on May 15 outside of his ranch had been the source of much speculation, as many people wondered if he had been killed.
On Monday, outside of his home, he looked tired, with dark circles under his eyes, and his white beard was much longer than normal. But he spoke with his trademark firmness.
"In regard to my captors, of course, as a man of faith, I forgave them," he said. "Authorities have a job to do (with my case), but with no abuse, no outrage."
And he sought to reassure his friends and family.
"I'm fine, thank God, I'm strong and my life will continue its course", he said.
He thanked journalists for their "professional and humane approach" through the seven months he was missing. The leading media outlets had stopped reporting on his disappearance at the request of his family.
"I have many reasons to be grateful to so many people known and unknown that I'm obliged to prepare a letter for them," he continued, "there was restraint, moral rectitude, and support of a person's life. Naturally, this for me is everything."
He finished his statement quoting from memory a line from "Don Quixote": "My ornaments are arms, my rest, the fight, my bed, hard rock, my life, always a fight," he said.
He spoke about his future.
"My attitude is clearly defined: To live without fear, without cowardice, without arrogance but with determination and courage."
The National Action Party (PAN), to which the former presidential candidate belongs, expressed its "broadest joy" at his release, but urged authorities to investigate and punish the kidnappers.
